Your guide to UK cities with the best Christmas Markets

As the first winter frosts find their way across the United Kingdom, cities come alive with the warmth and cheer of Christmas markets. These vibrant hubs of festive joy not only offer an enchanting shopping experience, but also provide a glimpse into the unique charm of each city.

In this guide, we'll walk you through some of the most enchanting Christmas markets in the UK, exploring the cities of Birmingham, Bath, Bristol, Glasgow, Manchester, Nottingham, and London.

Glasgow's Christmas market, located in St Enoch Square, captures the city's vivacious spirit and visitors are treated to a delightful array of traditional Scottish and British products, international cuisines, and festive entertainment. As it’s located near the city centre, the market offers you a lovely opportunity to combine it with some Christmas shopping. If living in Glasgow is something you’ve been dreaming of, you’ll find that the average asking price for rent in Glasgow is £1,092 pcm, while average property prices are £208,016.*

Birmingham's Christmas market offers its visitors over 180 wooden stalls selling everything from handmade crafts to delectable treats. What makes this Christmas market so special, is that some of the stalls come directly from Birmingham’s twin city, Frankfurt. What’s more, it’s one of the largest German style markets outside of Germany and Austria.**

If you’re thinking about moving here, average properties are £271,303, and average asking price for rents is £1,199 pcm.*

Bath's unique honey-coloured stone buildings create a picturesque backdrop for the over 150 Christmas market stalls and transforms the city into a magical place. The city’s Christmas Market is renowned for its local crafts and delicacies, making it an ideal spot for finding unique gifts and indulging in festive foods. You can even go ice skating at the Bath on Ice skating rink. Average property prices in Bath are £589,981, while average asking prices for rents in Bath and North East Somerset are £1,829 pcm.*

The Bristol Christmas Market is a testament to the city's creative spirit, located in the heart of the city. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to stroll through and pick up some Christmas gifts, as it offers an array of handcrafted goods, local produce, and live entertainment. If you are thinking about buying in Bristol, average property prices here are £393,779, while average asking prices for rents are £1,728 pcm.*

The market stretches across multiple locations, offering an extensive selection of goods from around the world. Discover world-class shopping and indulge in diverse culinary delights – everything from German Bratwurst to Spanish Paella. If you’ve been thinking about moving to Manchester, average property prices are £295,669 and average asking prices for rental properties are £1,334 pcm.*

Wander through the trendy Lace Market district, filled with stylish boutiques and chic eateries. Immerse yourself in the city's creative vibe at Nottingham Contemporary and Broadway Cinema. Discover lush greenery at Wollaton Park. As you can see, there are many attractions and things to do when you live in Nottingham. If you want to buy, average house prices are £257,123, or if you’d prefer renting, average asking prices for rental properties are £1,157 pcm.*

During Christmas, the city sparkles with festive lights and holiday cheer. London's Christmas markets are scattered across the city, each offering you a unique experience. From the enchanting Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park to the Southbank Centre's Winter Market, visitors can explore a diverse range of goods and cuisines. Average property prices here are £720,669 and average asking prices for rental properties currently are £2,656 pcm.*

As you plan your winter adventures, consider not just the delights of the Christmas market but also the unique character of each city. They all offer a distinctive experience, making your Christmas market escapade or move to the city a truly memorable one. So, bundle up, sip some hot cocoa, and explore the UK’s enchanting Christmas markets.